Come play in my world for awhile!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

I love the silly games and the camaraderie and the intent, determined faces of the youngest participants, and the celebration of another school year successfully completed.

Or maybe I should say I love the idea of Field Day.

Last year for Field Day my job was to run the Sneaker Relay. The kids took their shoes off, threw them in a bucket and competed on teams in a relay race to see which team could get their shoes back on first. Great idea in concept. In reality it was so hot that local farmers were feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard boiled eggs. The impact on the kids? They were sweaty... and some weren't wearing socks... and a lot of them were boys... and the smell of those feet? Let's just say I started the day with my normal, naturally straight hair and when I went home it was curly.

This year I knew better. When the call went out for volunteers I responded quickly and snatched up an event called, "Duck, Duck Splash." It's basically "Duck, Duck Goose" played with a sponge so that you dribble on each person you "duck" and drench the person you "goose." A water game and the participants keep their shoes on? Brilliant.

I was committed to making this year better. I had sunscreen, a hat, a bottle of water and, most importantly, a game I could have fun with.

Bring it, kids. This time I was ready.

And we got off to a great start. I added some strategic elements to the game to keep it fun for the older kids, like:

* If you get caught by the "ducker" you have to dunk your head in the water bucket, or

* If you don't make an effort to get away from the "ducker" I get to squeeze a sponge full of cold water on your head, or my personal favorite...

* I get to dump the bucket of cold water over all the kids at the end of each round.

I was having fun and the kids were having a blast. I started to relax and enjoy myself. This is what Field Day is supposed to feel like.

One of my kids who received the bucket 'o water to the head!

Don't feel sorry for them... it was hot! They were begging me to soak them.

Until my fifth group of kids. Everything began just as it was supposed to. The kids were excited but under control. It was perfect... until one of the third-graders slipped and fell hard on her chin. I watched as she went down and I knew it would be bad before she gasped her first tentative sob. As I gently pulled her crumpled form from the ground she looked up at me with pain in her eyes and blood in her hands, and I knew there would be stitches.

After her mother had spirited her off to the doctor's, I returned to Duck, Duck, Splash. I know it wasn't my fault but I felt horrible nonetheless. I plastered a smile on my face and tried to ignore the weighty lump in the pit of my stomach. I mentally called on my former enthusiasm, but the crimson flowers of her blood on my shirt continually gnawed at me.

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comments:

When I working at the kids' school in various voluntary capacities, art tutor, library monitor, reading book grader and paid dinner lady...I was in awe of teachers and the paperwork and testing they had to complete on each child. I was equally appalled h0w many of them including the head teacher, hated sports day. They practically got onto their knees and prayed for rain...as a parent I always prayed for a good day..as I saw and understood the sadness the kids felt after al their practising and preparation to be competitive, that they couldnt now fulfil their race, b eit egg and spoon, bean bags or three legged debacle.

You are awesome just for making it to 2 of those things. I f-ing HATE field day and even hated it as a kid. My mom took pity on my unathletic arse and let me stay home on field day after the "no-ribbon-all-day-debacle" of 1977.

Well wasn't that a major buzz kill for Field Day? Poor girl...now that's what she'll associate with field day!! Our Field Day is cool too...much better than when I was a kid when it was just running races. :0

Don't feel bad, KB!, it wasn't your fault. Focus on all of the fun the other kids had. Poonch cut her chin on the playground this year, too. Escaped stitches, but had to get it glued. It happens all over the darn place!

I would be willing to join a club of mothers uniting against Field Day.

I am SO not a fan of field day! It's fine as long as I can watch from the side w/a huge umbrella, a personal fan, and a huge glass of ice water. Otherwise, blech! But, I'm lazy like that. And, yes to the blogroll, would love it. I just left that comment b/c I was having one of my many psychotic not sure who I am or what year it even is days. They are happening WAY too much these days:)

The last track and field days I had the chance to go to was for my oldest son last year, and as the kids get older, it definitely morphed into more of a track and field event, all kinds of dashes and relays. I definitely missed the water games on that hot afternoon in the sun!

awwww and it sounded like you were having such a good day too. I know how you feel though, I think it'd be pretty hard to just brush off, accidents are accidents but there is always a part of you that thinks maybe you could have prevented it.

WTG making it more fun for the kids and a big salute to you for volunteering!!! So many parents don't.

There needs to be more Kathy B.'s in the world. There are not enough parents who want or can volunteer anymore. I would probably feel the same way, but try to focus on all the smiles you put on faces instead. Look at all the memories your kids will have.

Awwww! Poor kid! I would have the same weighty lump in the pit of my stomach - but it was an accident, and accidents do tend to follow kids around...just ask Princess Nagger - she's a walking billboard for accidents sometimes... ;)

Awwww, that poor little girl! But it wasn't your fault...things like that happen all the time. Trust me, it'll be one of my kids someday who splits their chin open on the cement while running. It'll happen, I just know it.

Boys...stinky feet....I'm already experiencing that. I refuse to buy them any more crocs!